I believe these are Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula).
A well seen and well captured behavioural shot.
Dragonflies are generally a lot larger and more bulky than damselflies and they generally hold their wings out to the side when resting,wheras most damselflies hold them closed and resting on top of their body.
Also, the eyes of a dragonfly are much larger, and meet at the front and top of the head. Damselfly eyes are wide-spaced balls, giving a slightly 'hammer-head shark' appearance.
As Justin says, a great capture of this behaviour. Positioning the camera slightly lower would have kept the female's wings in sharper focus, and covering up the daisies (or picking them if this is in your garden) in the background would remove the distraction.
As Ben says the way the eyes cover the head is different, Dragon flies merge, damsels are seperate "bug eyes", also Dragon flies cannot fold their wings so at rest are alwys at 90 degrees to the body, Damsels park their wings over their body folded together.
Discussion
6 repliesTook this yesterday, not sure which they are, would appreciate comments and advice on how to tell the difference.
Thanks
Alison
I believe these are Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula).
A well seen and well captured behavioural shot.
Dragonflies are generally a lot larger and more bulky than damselflies and they generally hold their wings out to the side when resting,wheras most damselflies hold them closed and resting on top of their body.
Hope this helps.
As Justin says, a great capture of this behaviour. Positioning the camera slightly lower would have kept the female's wings in sharper focus, and covering up the daisies (or picking them if this is in your garden) in the background would remove the distraction.
Off out with the camera again in a mo so will see if I can spot any. I know there will be plenty of damsels, always are.
Thanks again for the comments.
Alison
Barrie
Well done.